Peter Obi Vows, If Elected President, To Free IPOB’s Nnamdi Kanu As Political Solution To Agitations
The Presidential Candidate of the opposition Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said he would release Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu and engage separatist agitators in dialogue if elected Nigerian leader.
Speaking at an interactive session with Nigerians in Washington, Obi argued that Kanu should not be detained over comments he allegedly made on Radio Biafra, insisting that criticism of political leaders should not be criminalised.
“There’s no reason for keeping Nnamdi Kanu. I will free Nnamdi Kanu as President. He has done nothing wrong; the government has no reason to arrest him because he was speaking and calling people names on radio,” Obi said.
The former 2023 Labour Party flag-bearer reiterated his commitment to pursuing a political solution to the case of Kanu, stating that dialogue remained the most effective path to resolving longstanding grievances and tensions.
Obi said that if elected President, his administration would prioritise engagement, consultation, and peaceful conflict resolution in addressing issues of national concern, including separatist agitations and regional discontent.
According to him, governments achieve more lasting results when they address the root causes of agitations through dialogue, justice, and inclusive governance rather than relying solely on coercive measures.
The former Anambra State Governor maintained that national unity was better strengthened through reconciliation and mutual understanding, stressing that democratic societies should create avenues for citizens to express grievances while preserving law, order, and national stability.
Obi also argued that sensitive national issues required political courage and statesmanship, noting that leaders must be willing to engage stakeholders and pursue solutions that promote peace and social cohesion.
He emphasised that his position on Kanu’s case remained consistent over the years, insisting that dialogue and political engagement offer a more sustainable pathway to peace, particularly in the South-East.
Obi maintained that public officials were often subjected to criticism and insults, which, according to him, should not constitute an offence.
“Anybody can tell you anything. I’m a politician and people call me all sorts of names and I don’t think calling me names is an offence,” he added.
Obi also pledged to adopt dialogue as a strategy for addressing separatist agitations and other grievances across the country.
“If I am in government today, I will discuss with all agitators because I believe that they have a reason for whatever they want to do and it’s only by engaging them that we would learn,” he said.
